Bleacher Report - Articles by Keeven Kuate

Last Minute (Well, Six Hours Prior) First Round Tourney Picks—Win Your Pool!

Keeven Kuate — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 06:21:45 -0400

DJ KEY aka Keeven Kuate—

If you think your bracket is any good, wait until you see these picks. You might not agree with them all, but you'll learn a thing or two by seeing my picks.

My bracket is on ESPN.com and ready to dominate.

These are just my picks for the first round. For now.

FIRST ROUND

16 vs. 1 Picks

A 16-seed has never beaten a one seed in 64-team bracket history

No worries here, unless Radford wants to take down my predicted National Champion and make my future tournament articles irrelevant. (That would be bad!)

Louisville over Morehead St.—Louisville will have their way in the second game of the season against Morehead State this year. Terrence Williams, who at times shows us LeBron-like moves and explosiveness, will be a triple-double threat, and he'll decide if that third category is steals or assists (seven games of five or more steals this year).

UNC over Radford (25-point spread seems high, however. I would not bet on UNC to cover.)

Pittsburgh over East Tennessee St.

UConn over UT-Chattanooga

15 vs. 2 Picks

Memphis over CS-Northridge—Memphis should be used to playing "easy" teams, but we'll see how they do this year. They did luck out on a weak No. 1 seed pairing with UConn.

Michigan St. over Robert Morris—I expected great results this year from Tom Izzo, and he was proving just that until we ran into some trouble this year in a very weak Big Ten conference. Robert Morris should not be too much to handle, but it will stay close.

Duke over Binghamton—This was a bad matchup for Binghamton as Duke is fresh off an ACC title, but give props to Binghamton on winning their conference and their first tournament appearance.

Oklahoma over Morgan State—I like this matchup because it gives Oklahoma a good matchup to test out if they are ready for this tournament. Morgan State is responsible for a home loss for the Maryland Terrapins, and Oklahoma isn't the same team that started the season 18-1, or are they?

14 vs. 3 Picks

Syracuse over S.F. Austin—Jonny Flynn is now a household name; well, not completely, but playing in six-overtime history may help his cause. Syracuse is my "wild card" team of this tournament, as they could easily win it all or choke very early.

Villanova over American—Home game for Villanova, basically, but watch this game be close. American played Tennessee tough last year, and Villanova is a team that always loves to flirt with danger, then pull away late.

Kansas over North Dakota State—All week I have been debating whether Cleveland State or North Dakota State was going to pull the biggest upset of the first round. Sorry, but I could not take the risk on this one, even though ND State has four players who shoot over 40 percent from the arc.

Missouri over Cornell—Missouri has impressed me A LOT in the past two weeks. Missouri is a buy now, and my sleeper Final Four pick; therefore I will discuss them later throughout this month as they put Missouri basketball on the college basketball map.

13 vs. 4 Picks

Washington over Mississippi State—I was surprised that Washington won the Pac-10 regular conference title, defeating my Sun Devils twice (although we got them in the tournament!) in the process, but that proves to be legit and Mississippi State will struggle here.

Cleveland St. over Wake—Here is where I make online pick-making history. Yes, I said it: Cleveland St. will beat Wake Forest. I was watching their game versus Butler in their conference championship game, and they are as good as advertised. (Syracuse fans know what I'm talking about.)

Xavier over Portland St.

Gonzaga over Akron

12 vs. 5 Picks

Utah over Arizona—Arizona lucked out by being in this tournament and not breaking their streak of 25 straight years of NCAA tournament appearances, and I love it how ESPN immediately jumped on making them the good 12 vs. 5 upset. Not happening, not against these Utes.

Purdue over N. Iowa—Impressive Big Ten Tournament Championship, kinda, but they took that pre-concussion Blake Griffin Oklahoma team to overtime earlier in the season, so this is a no-brainer.

Florida State over Wisconsin—All I have to say is Toney Douglas. Watch him dominate.

Western Kentucky over Illinois—I have the Big Ten going 3-4 in this first round, and Illinois is not one of those three teams winning.

11 vs. 6 Picks

Arizona State over Temple—Yes, I love how President Barack Obama has picked my university that I attend to lose. He must not know too much about sophomore phenom James Harden. Even though my Sun Devils live and die with the three-ball, I don't think Dionte Christmas and Temple will be able to keep up when they are hot from downtown.

UCLA over VCU—This is a great game to talk about. Senior guard Eric Maynor got famous with "The Dagger" against Duke a few years ago, and now is back in the tournament, but is facing a UCLA team with everything to prove, as they have been in the past three Final Fours. VCU is very good, and it's too bad they'll have to head home early.

West Virginia over Dayton—This is another six-seed that I like. Even with the nine losses to top 50 teams, its the experience that counts, and West Virginia always loves to mess people's brackets in the past few years.

Utah State over Marquette—No Dominic James = four losses in the past five games for Marquette. Thirty-win team Utah State will continue to add to the miseries that this injury to James has caused.

10 vs. 7 Picks

California over Maryland—Maryland Terrapins hold the title of team that was the most inconsistent this season. With very bad losses to Georgetown and Duke, and a home loss to 15-seed Morgan State at home, it makes you wonder if that overtime win against UNC and ACC tournament game versus Wake are even relevant. I mean, we'll see, but I like a more consistent California to win this one.

Boston College over USC—Tyrese Rice will take over and give the Trojans major problems. I can see him scoring 30+ points alone.

Minnesota over Texas—Tubby Smith needs to show if he is a Hall of Fame coach, and this is the perfect game to do that. Take a Minnesota school that had almost no history of basketball and beat a slightly overrated Texas team, that may be all he has to do. It's all politics.

Clemson over Michigan—I flipped a coin for this one. Heads was Clemson, tails was Michigan. I'm just kidding.

9 vs. 8 Picks

LSU over Butler—LSU was the only decent team in the SEC this season.

Oklahoma State over Tennessee—I never know what to expect with Tennessee, but I can't see them being able to handle a red-hot Oklahoma State team.

Ohio State over Siena—Siena a nine seed, I hope you are kidding. The Big Ten is not THAT bad.

Texas A&M over BYU—I hope Mike Singletary from Texas Tech made Texas A&M realize that a team must play defense in addition to offense. This is going to be a great game, probably the best of the first round. I like A&M to escape this one.

Well, those are my first round picks. I will be back with the second round and so on. It will definitely be a lot of college basketball to handle, but totally worth every second. I wish every bracket owner good luck. Let the games begin! (In just about less than six hours actually; I should probably go to sleep.)

Find Out Who Is "IN" and "OUT" Of The NCAA Tournament: At-Large 34 Bids

Keeven Kuate — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 01:05:03 -0400

DJ KEY aka Keeven Kuate

March 13th—

Three months ago, I was previewing Florida in the SEC title game. It seems that so much has happened since then. Our economy is in the s***-hole, we have a new president, the state of Arizona was robbed of a super bowl, and countless hours of college basketball has elapsed.

Well, I have gathered all my resources and made my picks on what I believe will happen during Selection Sunday. The plan is to get at least 30 out of the 34 at-large bids, and when you have ESPN trying to tell the sports world that the Big Ten is getting eight out of the 34 bids, I knew I had to take my own stand on the subject.

There are still six teams (UNC, Pitt, UConn, Louisville, Michigan St, and Memphis) that remain in the hunt for a number one seed.

I'll do my part in helping "the committee" in picking the teams out, but ranking them may be a different story.

2009 Bubble Teams Are You IN or OUT?

34 At Large Bids Prediction

(Tournaments champions not all known yet, and italicized teams have won or are projected to win)

Big Ten (5)

I can see the Big Ten going 1-5 the first set of games.

Michigan St: IN

Illinois: IN

Purdue: AUTO

Penn St: OUT

Wisconsin: IN

Northwestern: OUT

Minnesota: OUT

Michigan: IN

Ohio St: IN

Big East (6)

4 legitimate title contenders...

Louisville: AUTO

Pitt: IN

UConn: IN

Marquette: IN

Syracuse: IN

Villanova: IN

West Virginia: IN

Providence: OUT

ACC (6)

UNC and Duke will do their part, but anyone else?

Miami: OUT

Virginia Tech: OUT

Wake: IN

Duke: AUTO

Florida St: IN

Clemson: IN

BC: IN

Maryland: IN

UNC: IN

Big 12 (5)

Ithink this conference is starting to become overrated.

Kansas: IN

Oklahoma: IN

Missouri: IN

Texas A&M: IN

Oklahoma St: IN

Texas: IN

Baylor: OUT (Nice Run!)

Kansas St: OUT

SEC (2)

I had trouble picking the "good" teams here.

LSU: IN

South Carolina: OUT

Tennessee: IN

Florida: OUT

Auburn: OUT

Mississppi St: AUTO

Pac-10 (3)

Consistency will determine whether any Pac-10 team makes a run (Slight ASU-biased, by the way).

Arizona: OUT

Arizona State: IN

Washington: IN

UCLA: IN

California: IN

USC: AUTO

A 10 (2)

I like what Temple has been doing of late.

Dayton: IN

Temple: AUTO

Xavier: IN

Missouri West (2)

Mid-majors took a few bids from better known schools.

Illinois St: IN

Creighton: IN

N. Iowa: AUTO

Mountain West (1)

San Diego St.: IN

Utah: AUTO

Horizon (1)

Butler: IN

Cleveland St.: AUTO

Once the Selection Sunday is aired, and the field is set, I will show you the "65 Ways to Guarantee A Cashing in Your Office Pool." Let the madness begin!

Why Alabama SHOULD Be No. 2 in the BCS Standings

Keeven Kuate — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 12:46:56 -0500

Keeven Kuate a.k.a DJ Key

I don't want to rub my prediction is any 'Bama fans, BUT I might just have to. I did state, in my previous article, that the Tebow-led Gators would win; covering the 10-point spread was the icing on the cake.

Alabama did give me a scare, as I bet on Florida to cover the 10-point spread two minutes before kickoff (first wager since 2007, won't be my last now), and for a quick moment when 'Bama scored to go up 20-17, I was starting to wonder if Alabama had figured the Percy-less Florida Gators.

Fact or Fiction: If your school is not named Ole Miss, you cannot beat the Florida Gators.

Fact.

I just felt like that was appropriate. Ole Miss has some bragging rights next year. Hopefully, Tim Tebow stays for another year to shut them up.

Anyways...

Players, who looked great today:

Glen Coffee: Wow, I knew Alabama could run the ball but, I did not know that it would be like that. Right from the start, on their second drive, he exploded for a 18-yard touchdown run. I was starting to wonder if he would break for more long runs (that ended up to be his longest of the game).

But still, Coffee is definitely a top-five running back next year, as he should return and be the vital part of another Alabama run next year.

Julio Jones: In my previous article, I did state that Julio would be making his big plays (like he always does) and he was a big factor in this game. It seems like he catches EVERY FRICKIN' ball that is thrown his way, and that just got annoying (until he got hurt, as John Parker Wilson went deep to him, just out for one play).

I think the only reason why Alabama did not end up winning the game, tonight, was because of the John Parker Wilson. He choked like I said he would. If you take out Julio Jones' stats, John Parker Wilson was 7-for-20, throwing it for 63 yards and that late pick. (He did take care of the ball, and Alabama did have a chance to win, but he's no Tim Tebow.)

Chris Rainey, Jeffery Demps, Emmanuel Moody: I'm going call them "The Replacements" for this game's purpose. These three Florida Gators had one task to accomplish this game, and that was to replace the un-replaceable Percy Harvin in the running game.

Nothing too flashy, but they made it so that Percy Harvin was not missed this game, with no turnovers, and a Demps touchdown to seal the deal. I can see Jeffery Demps having a big-role with Urban Meyers' offense in the future, he is a player who, we all need to remember his name, as he will be doing big things, very soon. (As soon as that National Championship game in January.)

Remember, he has a faster 100 meter time than anyone in United States high school history (10.01), so he is no joke.

Nick Saban's Roll Tide Defense: After a quick strike (touchdown) in the first quarter, that stingy Alabama defense, got nasty and held Florida to two straight three-and-outs and a field goal, stopping Tim Tebow and his offense inside the five-yard line (not many teams can claims that...).

Well, here is my case: It seems like if Alabama had played Florida the first game of the season, that they would be ranked second today, as teams who lose in the latter parts of the season are really affected by the BCS (Texas Tech and Penn State fans know what I am talking about).

If the No. 1 team loses to a top five team in its conference's championship game, that No. 1 team should not fall lower than No. 2. They are the only team with a defense that can keep Florida in check ("In check" = under 40 points for Florida).

Ole Miss is not in the national championship picture, so I cannot make a case for them to rematch the Gators.

In addition, the Big 12 cannot make up their mind on anything this year. They needed the BCS voters to pick who was going to play in their own conference's championship game? Are you serious. It's not just that, Colt McCoy was recently voted as the Associated Press Player of the Year, yet he is on the Second-Team All-Big 12 Team, is that a joke?

Make up your mind on who is your conference's best team and player. While they do that, I want to see another 'Bama-Florida game. Who's with me? Alabama deserves to be in the title game over Oklahoma, Texas, and USC. Easily.

My BCS Standings, the top five best overall teams:

1. Florida Gators

2. Alabama Crimson Tide

3. Oklahoma Sooners (pending tonight's game: Hopefully, Mizzou keeps it close, so that my article is still relevant by the end of tonight.)

4. Texas Longhorns

5. USC Trojans.

Why Shonn Greene, Not Graham Harrell, Should Be a Heisman Finalist

Keeven Kuate — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:11:22 -0500

Before I start getting hate mail from all those Red Raider fans, yes, I know he's had a record-breaking season and all that good stuff, and I've seen his stats numerous times. Harrell did complete 408 passes on 568 attempts for 4,747 yards with 41 touchdowns, though he did have more yards and touchdowns last year, by the way.

He'll probably win team MVP. Actually, I'd give that to Michael Crabtree. (Sorry, Longhorn fans! Had to bring him up.)

You are probably wondering how someone could replace one of the heads of the three-headed monster of the Big 12: Harrell, Bradford, and McCoy. Well, that would be the only running back in Division 1 football who has rushed for 100 yards in every single game this year. (His season-low was actually 103 yards.)

He is Shonn Greene of Iowa, the team who upset previously-undefeated Penn State. He also played in a conference where they decided to play defense. I cannot say the same for the Big 12.

The Big 12 had 12 quarterbacks throw for more touchdowns than interceptions—that's every starting quarterback in the conference. No other conference can claim such a thing, with five of the 12 quarterbacks throwing for more than 28 touchdowns. That is just too much for one conference, and it must indicate that the Big 12 recruits great quarterbacks (some are) and that their defenses simply are not very good.

In addition, nine teams in the Big 12 average over 30 points a game, including 4-8 Baylor. Catch my drift? Each team was beating each other up during those high-scoring Big 12 conference games, with Oklahoma, Texas Tech, and Texas going 1-1 against each other.

My Case for Shonn Greene

Key Game No. 1 at Pittsburgh on Sept. 20, 2008

Greene came into that game as the second best running back on the field, as LeSean McCoy was ready to go, but the Iowa RB out-rushed McCoy by 69 yards in the loss, 21-20, on the road.

This was Greene's fourth straight game in which he had at least five yards per carry and over 100 yards for the game, going one for eight straight games to start the season.

Key Game No. 2 at Michigan State on Oct. 4, 2008

Once again, Greene was overshadowed during the pre-game, being called the second best running back in the game. Yup, you guessed it, he out-rushed preseason Heisman candidate Javon Ringer 157 yards on 30 carries to just 91 yards in the loss, 16-13, on the road. Yet, he continued to build his Heisman résumé.

Key Game No. 3 vs. Wisconsin on Oct. 18, 2008

Wisconsin had been free-falling ever since their second half comeback against Michigan, but Greene decided to rush for his season-high 217 yards, out-rushing the entire Wisconsin squad that weekend by himself. He led the Hawkeyes to a convincing victory over the Badgers, 38-17.

Greene added a touchdown in each quarter placing him "on the radar" of the Heisman Watch. Yet people were still failing to give him, as they fail today, the respect due a real Heisman contender.

Key Game No. 4 vs. Then-Third-Ranked Penn State on Nov. 8, 2008

With a ticket to the national champion on the line for Penn State, Greene was the man who literally ran away with the game. Scoring the first and last touchdown of the game and rushing for 117 yards, he was a big problem for the Penn State defense. (They knew about the season he was having, yet could not stop him with so much on the line.)

I dare you to go to University Park at Penn State and mention his name. Iowa won the game 24-23 on a FG with :01 left.

The 23-year-old Greene, who was only a two-star recruit on Rivals and did not play at all in the 2007 season, deserves a ticket to New York City. The Big 12 SOUTH already has two other QBs who will be finalists; a third is not necessary. Sorry, Graham.

The Heisman Trophy is awarded to the most outstanding player in all of college football, not just in the Big 12 South. The man, who led the Big 10 in rushing, with featured backs like Javon Ringer, Evan Royster, and Chris "Beanie" Wells all in his conference, deserves some consideration. He finished the season an NCAA-high 1,728 yards on the ground.

I agree that if Texas Tech had not choked the last two games, losing to Oklahoma by 44 points and struggling last weekend against that 4-8 Baylor team, then Graham Harrell would have been the perfect pick to be a finalist. But not anymore.

A Heisman finalist must also be virtually flawless the entire season. Graham Harrell was responsible for seven turnovers (two against 7-5 Nevada) this year, which any other year would have been great. Shonn Greene, meanwhile, fumbled zero times this year on 278 attempts.

By the way, since the Big 12 is responsible for having Oklahoma ahead of Texas in the BCS Standings, I would not be surprised if Colt McCoy won the Heisman over Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford to compensate for that. You never know what surprise College Football will bring next.

Be ready to say that DJ Key is right once again (especially when Florida beats Alabama on Saturday).

Why Tim Tebow and Florida Will Beat Alabama

Keeven Kuate — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:21:37 -0500

Keeven Kuate aka DJ KEY

I'm about to make more enemies, and this time it's going to be the entire state of Alabama, minus all those die hard Auburn fans (a 'Bama upset would be perfect).

Are you ready for my statement?

Nick Saban's Alabama team may be the best in the BCS, AP poll, my grandma's poll, and just about every poll that is around. Yet, I do not believe that they will even win the SEC, and it will not even be close.

The game is scheduled December 6th, and every person who lives Alabama is worried that their team, that they have been rooting for all season long, will be another victim of the Florida Gators high-powered offense and hard hitting defense.

Ever since Tim Tebow could not convert on that fourth and short against Ole Miss, which led to their first loss of the season where Ole Miss won by one, 31-30, Florida has averaged almost 53 points a game, blasting three ranked opponents in Georgia, LSU and South Carolina by a combined score of 156 to 37.

That is what you call domination.

Let's compare how Alabama has done against common opponents with Florida ever since that costly Florida loss...

17-14 win against Kentucky (Florida beat Kentucky by 58 points)

24-20 win against Mississippi (Well, ok 'Bama fans you got me there!)

27-21 overtime win against an overrated LSU (Florida blasted them by 30 points)

Not convinced yet?

Let's look at key positions and see where Alabama trails Florida...

Quarterback

Tim Tebow is right in the middle of the Heisman Race with his 22 touchdowns and two interceptions, while rushing for another 11 touchdowns. And oh yeah, he's already won a national championship and Heisman Trophy.

John Parker Wilson has thrown just eight touchdowns (Florida WR Percy Harvin has caught seven from last year's Heisman winner, to put in perspective), to go along with five picks.

I did not even need to write that for you to agree with me about that.

Running Back

I got to say that Junior Glen Coffee will be key for Alabama to upset (Vegas will make Alabama the underdogs in this game) Florida. He's been really the anchor to their offense. He'll need to top 100 yards against Florida for them to have a shot to remain close.

On the other hand, Florida can stick basically anyone at running back and get great results, having ten players who have had five attempts or more this year. Urban Meyer's squad has had already 2,528 rushing yards and 37 rushing touchdowns, through 11 games. Harvin's injury though means more pressure on Chris Rainey, and Jeffery Demps (Fastest high school recruit in college football history over 100 meters, 10.01, not bad.)

That is simply amazing.

Wide Receivers

The injury to Percy Harvin during the Florida State game will mean that one of the most explosive players in college football may be out for this game. More pressure on Tim Tebow to make plays to Louis Murphy. Also, we will see the Tight End Aaron Hernandez will be getting more involved and many passes out of the backfield. Coach Urban Meyer will need to get creative in the play-calling and the formations. This game will be all about speed and yards after the catch.

It will be a high scoring affair, and I'm going with the over for whatever the total points is for Vegas.

Sure, people will think I'm an idiot for comparing teams this way, but this may be the only way to display how good Florida really is. Too bad we cannot see a game between the 2006 National Championship team against this 2008 Florida team.

I feel bad for Steve Spurrier, a man who left Florida as their greatest coach, and he was quickly replaced by Urban Meyer. He's offensive ways have defensive coordinators always confused on what play Florida will run next. They have the deepest team in college football, and maybe, also, the fastest.

It's too bad the SEC was way overrated for Florida to even get really tested. That Ole Miss loss was a total fluke, and Florida, when they do beat Alabama on December 6th, will deserve a shot for the title against the Big 12 champion.

I don't even want to talk about what happens if Missouri upsets the Big 12 South representative in that Big 12 title game. That would create one of the biggest messes in BCS history. It feels like we say this every year...

President-elect Barack Obama even knows that the BCS is a joke and all about the money and not the sport of college football. This is the perfect year for a playoff (just like last year was, and the year before...catch my drift).

Mark my words, Florida will prevail, and if they do not get screwed for the title game, they will win that game too.

Prediction: Florida over Oklahoma/Texas/Texas Tech (whoever the BCS decides to pick, stupid Big 12 tiebreaker)

Can UNC Go Undefeated? With Six-Plus Future NBA Players, I Say Why Not?

Keeven Kuate — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:58:28 -0500

KEEVEN KUATE aka DJ KEY

I say they can go undefeated.

It would be the first time in 32 years, since Bob Knight led Indiana to an undefeated team in 1976.

As watching the Oregon-UNC game, I'm stunned how Roy Williams' squad is making basketball look easy. Now I understand why they are the consensus number one team in college basketball this year. I cannot see a team that can match up against their 11-deep squad (now 10 that Tyler Zeller is out).

Seriously, they have six NBA-ready players, and it looks like they will run away with the non-conference games they have scheduled, the ACC regular season title, ACC tournament title, and the national championship without any problem.

I really mean that (other than if the injury bug keeps taking away players—freshman Tyler Zeller is out for the season, and Tyler Hansbrough has been injured).

It was good to see number 50 on the floor against Oregon tonight (16 points), and he'll continue to make his case to win his second Player of the Year award and lead UNC to what should be an undefeated season (I hope I do not jinx that).

Zero points for Stephen Curry tonight, by the way, but they won by 30. Interesting...

Anyways, let's take a look at their six future NBA players.

PG Ty Lawson

He has matured since coming to Chapel Hill as a freshman. He's got great handles and anchors this team well, knowing how to distribute the ball to his many playmakers. His points per game have risen each year (10.2 as a freshman to now 15.3 early this year), and so has his Assist to Turnover ratio, which gives him great value for the NBA draft.

This season will definitely raise his stock. He's probably a first round pick—all he has to do is play like he always does and not get injured this year. I'd want him if I owned an NBA franchise.

SG Wayne Ellington

This sharpshooter makes bigger and bigger shots each game. One huge shot that I can think of right now is when he decided to torch the Clemson Tigers for 36 points, including a three-pointer at the buzzer to win it. Yeah, he made a lot of friends on campus that night.

I say he is the second-best shooter in the nation this year, behind Stephen Curry. The one advantage he has, though, is that opposing teams cannot double him all game, as everyone on UNC is a threat to score. Watch him go bananas from the three-point line this year.

All he needs to prove now is that he is the complete player and ready for the NBA. He is another first round pick if he leaves.

G/F Danny Green

"The Manu Ginobili of College Basketball." I seriously mean that too—he's been coming off the bench for the past four seasons and becoming a household name (well, at least in North Carolina), while not even starting for Roy Williams but making shots anytime he is on the court playing.

Another great shooter, Green scored a career high of 26 points off the bench this past Monday. One does not have to be a starter in college to make an impact in the NBA. I say late first round, early second, but it's early in the season, so who knows what may happen? Oh and he's got five three-pointers tonight—just saying.

F Tyler Hansbrough

If you have been watching basketball the last three years, you know what I'm talking about now. He's developing his midrange game too, and he will be a monster at the next level. I'm going to say he will be a lottery pick. You can hate on me saying that, but just watch—he'll be an 18 and nine guy in the NBA every night.

F Deon Thompson

If they have an award for Most Improved Player for the first two weeks of the season, Deon Thompson would win it by a landslide. This is a player who seemed like the only player who would not be a huge scoring threat from his numbers last year, and he is currently the team's leading scorer while already scoring a career-high of 20 points this season.

He's got a big frame at 6'8'' and 240 lbs. and is very much a project with a lot of potential. Another first round pick, but if I were him, why not become the big man on campus once number 50 leaves and show off what he can do?

F Ed Davis

A member of the 2008 McDonalds' All-American Team, Ed Davis decided to come to UNC, a team loaded with big men, and try to make an impact. He has done just that so far this season. The 6'8" junior recorded a quadruple-double (20 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 blocks) with his high school team last year, so Roy Williams knew he was getting a stud.

While averaging under 30 minutes a game through the first five games, he has already established his role with two double-doubles already this season. Hopefully, he's not a one and out, but if he does decide to leave for the NBA, he's another late first rounder too...

That's a lot of talent on those Tar Heels...I think anything but a championship would be a GREAT disappointment. They all know that, and so do their fans, so I think it should be all well at Chapel Hill during March this year.

Sucks to be a Duke fan this year! I love it.

The next game will determine even if my article will be relevant as they play Notre Dame, ranked eighth in the polls, for the Maui Championship.

Who Needs Tom When You Can Cassell Your Way To Victory

Keeven Kuate — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 12:35:04 -0500

KEEVEN KUATE a.k.a. DJ KEY

As a writer, I do have free time for other things like fantasy football, and I am going to brag and say I'm in first place in my money league. I had the 4th pick and picked Tom Brady and that did not go too well, as I started 0-2, but I have won 9 straight and made a late season trade where I gave up Braylon Edwards for Matt Cassell, and I have been enjoying his services, and looking forward to him throwing for 400 yards every week for the rest of the season, at least I hope he will. But now, let's not talk about fantasy sports and talk about what these past two weeks mean for Mr. Matt Cassell.

He was known for being Tom Brady's backup and Week one, the unthinkable happened, Tom Brady went down...for the season. Here comes Matt Cassell who had not started a game since high school (He was a back up at USC all four years. I played high school football and you don't see me starting in the NFL).

He hit the lottery during Weeks 11 and 12, let's look at what i mean:

Week 11 - Matt Cassell comes back down 18 to the Jets and throws his third touchdown pass with :01 left in regulation (something number 12 would do). Stats: 400 yards, three TDs, zero INTs. Not bad, could be a fluke though...

Matt decides to show the nation that it was not a fluke the following week, today against the Miami Dolphins. (I actually benched him this week to start Kyle Orton on my fantasy team, as he was playing the Rams, and I have first place locked already)

Week 12 - Matt Cassell makes Randy Moss relevant again throwing three touchdowns all to him this time. This was much due, has he had only 8 touchdown receptions all season going into this game. This time he gets his victory, unlike Week 11 and earlier this season when the Patriots got torched by Miami, sorry I mean, Ronnie Brown for five touchdowns. Stats: 415 yards, four TDs (one rushing), one INT.

What is this even relevant you ask?

Let me tell you why, Tom Brady, who is scheduled to be back at his old form by the start of the 2009 season, who has three Super Bowls, two Super Bowl MVP, and perfect 16-0 season, and is a sure first-ballot Hall of Famer will most likely get his starting job back. However, many NFL teams, with big bankrolls would love to have Matt Cassell to anchor their offense.

However, I don't want to sound crazy but, the Patriots are back as a team who could win the Super Bowl this year...with Matt Cassell and not Brady what happens then? That's for a different article, for right now the Patriots are 7-4, one game back behind the Jets, and looking great.

I guess being a backup for so long and watching and learning from two Heisman trophy winners and a future Hall-of-Famer, helped a lot. I cannot wait for what he does for the Patriots in the playoffs and for my fantasy team (I had to say that!)

If all goes well for him, these teams will look to seek him via trade or free agency as his contract ends this year with the Patriots:

Here's my top five destinations for Matt Cassell, if he does not stay in New England after this year (in parentheses states the current starter for that respective franchise)

5. Seattle Seahawks (Matt Hasselbeck)

4. Philadelphia Eagles (Kevin Kolb, as McNabb got benched today)

3. Chicago Bears (Kyle Orton)

2. San Francisco 49ers (Shaun Hill)

1. Minnesota Vikings (Gus Frerotte)

Christmas came early for Matt Cassell, expect a big contract for him. Oh, and by the way, Matt Cassell, if you are reading this, give me a call, I'd love to be your agent, I knew you had it in you, gave up my second round pick for your services on my fantasy team!

Zac Robinson: The Forgotten Big 12 South Quarterback (For Now)

Keeven Kuate — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 10:23:08 -0500

KEEVEN KUATE aka DJ KEY

Who Am I?

Through 11 games, I have one fewer TD passes and nine fewer rushing yards than Tim Tebow, to go along with my six rushing TDs.

I have played the No. 1, 2, and 3 teams in the country and still have another No. 3 team to play this year.

I play in the division of a BCS conference with three Heisman Hopefuls (Sam Bradford of Oklahoma, Colt McCoy of Texas, and Graham Harrell of Texas Tech).

Yup, my name is Zac Robinson, and I have led the Oklahoma State Cowboys to a 9-2 record while passing for 21 TDs and rushing for another six this year.

The Oklahoma State QB is 1-2 against the top three teams, and has to play arch-rival Oklahoma, who just embarrassed former No. 2 Texas Tech 65-21 last night.

The victory over Missouri, was that lone win and Missouri won the Big 12 North, which just shows how stacked the Big 12 South really is.

Zac Robinson definitely has had to play one of the toughest schedules in the country and still is having a career season. Just a junior, if Zac Robinson decides to return for his senior campaign, he will be among the Heisman hopefuls for the 2009 season.

That won't be any easier, too, as Colt McCoy is staying in Austin and many underclassmen will shine.

Zac Robinson has a bit of an advantage, in my opinion, against most of the competition next year. How many QBs can claim to have played as many top ranked teams, that will return for 2009? Just him. That is just something to consider.

As for now, Zac Robinson remains as the fourth-best QB in the Big 12 South. He will have his time to shine, and it could start early, as he can upset the BCS National Championship hopes of the rival Sooners with a win next weekend, which would confirm what I am saying right now.

I'd place a small wager on him to win the Heisman next year, but I don't want to jinx it. See you in New York in 2009, Zac!

Shaquille O'Neal Back To Being an All-Star? Maybe

Keeven Kuate — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 08:35:53 -0500

KEEVEN KUATE aka DJ KEY

Going into this season, people were starting to wonder whether or not, four-time NBA Champion and three-time NBA Finals MVP Shaquille O'Neal was worth his $21 million that the Phoenix Suns were paying him this year.

Well, two games already this season Shaq has scored 29 points and at least 11 rebounds in Suns victories. I remember watching SportsCenter and seeing the bottom line with those stats, and saying aloud "Really Now?!? Shaq did that." Most people would claim that the trade from the Miami Heat, for All-Star Forward Shawn Marion and Point Guard Marcus Banks, to the Phoenix Suns, did not go in Phoenix's favor. Shaq disagrees and I do too, as he brings his charisma and experiences to Arizona to a franchise that needs someone to bring them over the "hump."

Shaquille O'Neal has had a career like no other, especially with his dominance in the paint over the last 16 years, and lack of dominance at the free throw line. He is also quite the character with the media, and is one of the most lovable or hated players in the NBA. Actually, I can't see how you can hate the man, unless you are a Sacramento Kings fan, San Antonio Spurs fan, Dallas Mavericks fan or Portland TrailBlazer fan, where he has left a lasting mark on those franchises, as he went with his winning ways against these teams in key moments (aka the NBA Playoffs).

So, the question is does he get voted in this year All-Star, 16 years after he was drafted in 1992? Well, there are some factors that will help Shaquille get in the game, and others that won't. Let's break them down real quick:

He plays for the Phoenix Suns and the All-Star Weekend will be in Phoenix, so he gets that home court advantage, maybe (I go to Arizona State so, I plan on covering that game, who knows though, that's a good 2 months from now).

He is currently fourth in the Western Conference in points per game, and 6th in rebounding, and with about three or four centers that are voted on each team, his statistics are worth consideration.

However, we have to remember that it is NBA fans throughout the world that vote for who they would like to see play the game. A player with the name like Shaquille O'Neal, will probably get tons of votes, as in recent years players who were struggling or on the decline of their careers were still getting voted on the team (Hello, Vince Carter).

I say, if Shaq continues to put up numbers and show the NBA Nation that he is a vital part of the Phoenix Suns, he will get on team. He did not make it last year, that was his first time since 1993. I cannot see that happening again, especially since Shaq has been playing well so far this season.

He, at least has my vote, I bet he'll get yours too.